Page 91 of The Long Game
“It’s right twice a day.”
“Yes. He is right about one thing. Probably still mostly bad.”
“Maybe he’ll be a good linemate. I’ve been listening to you complain about Tanner Dillon for as long as you’ve played for Ottawa.”
“I still don’t want him.”
“I know. I’m just trying to cheer you up.” Shane sighed heavily. “I have to go. Team meeting.”
“Okay. How is Buffalo?”
“Amazing,” Shane said flatly.
Ilya laughed. “Good luck tonight.”
“Good luck with Troy Barrett. I can’t wait to hear all about him.”
“So nosy.”
“I love you. I’ll call you after the game tonight.”
“I will be waiting. I love you too.”
They ended the call, and Ilya immediately texted Harris.
Ilya:You are bringing the puppy today yes?
Harris:Yup!
Ilya exhaled slowly. At least this day wouldn’t be total garbage.
“So how was he?” Shane asked. He was sprawled out on his hotel bed, completely exhausted after the game.
“So cute, Shane. You should see him!”
“What?” Troy Barrett was an attractive man, sure, but that was an unexpected reaction from Ilya.
“He licked my face with his little tongue!”
“Uh.”
“His ears are so floppy, and he is so soft. I wanted to carry him around all practice.”
Oh. “I meantTroy, idiot. Not the puppy.”
Ilya huffed. “Who cares? Puppy was great. His name is Chiron. He is black and small and—”
“Okay. Puppies are cute. Agreed. But what was Troy like?”
“Was fine. Quiet. Whatever.”
Shane grinned at the ceiling. “Do you have a photo of the dog?”
“Of course. Did you not see my Instagram?”
“No.” Shane was not particularly invested in social media, though he knew that Ilya was posting random things all the time. Shane mostly reposted official team posts, and info about the Irina Foundation.
“There are photos, videos. So many things. Chiron is great.”
